Hey, Bush: You're Not Above the Law!
- by: Care2
- recipient: President George W. Bush
A shame has fallen on the United States.
President Bush just commuted the 30-month jail sentence of former vice presidential aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, stating that the sentence was "excessive." Bush's action means that Paris Hilton will have served more jail time for drunk driving than Libby will serve for perjury and obstruction of justice.
Typically commutations are only granted once a convict starts serving the sentence and all appeals are exhausted. And that's what the law was intended for. This action was done so little ol' Scooter doesn't spend a single night in jail.
Coming on the heels of the administration's refusal to respond to Congress' subpoenas, it is clearer than ever that Bush believes he and his administration are above the law. As American citizens and voters, we need to make it clear that they aren't above the letter - or spirit - of the law.
President Bush's commutation of the prison sentence of L. 'Scooter' Libby was simply the worst case of awful political dealings since the Watergate scandal that destroyed public trust in the executive branch. Let President Bush know what you think about his actions -- we need to let this administration know we will hold them accountable!
President Bush:
We the undersigned are outraged that you have commuted I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's 30-month sentence for perjury and obstruction of justice.
L. 'Scooter' Libby was convicted in a court of law for obstruction of justice by
a jury of his peers, and sentenced by a Republican appointed judge. Your action to commute his sentence only confirms the suspicion that the White House, under the express authority of the president and vice-president, deliberately leaked the name of former CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity as political retribution for her husband's column, which indicated that this administration's chief reason for going to war with Iraq was contrived.
Your administration's actions show a repeated disregard for the rule of law and for the will of the American people. We the people demand change.
We expect your administration to respond to the subpoenas issued by Congress to investigate warrentless wiretapping and the dismissal of U.S. attorneys. We expect Congress to take any action necessary to compel your administration's compliance.
[Your Comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
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